Everyone, from pundits to rabid message board posters and blog comment monkeys are trying to figure out why Kirk, who already has a sterling military record, would lie about receiving an intelligence officer award and serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The word "overcompensating" comes to mind.

If Kirk is overcompensating for something, maybe we should be grateful. Whatever drives Mark Kirk has made him an outstanding public servant. As a Republican congressman, Kirk has survived a decade in a Democratic-leaning district. According to his former commanding officer in the Balkans, Kirk is “the finest intelligence officer I have ever served with – hands down.” He’s already winning national attention as a moderate Republican who can help reduce partisanship in the Senate.

Obviously, whatever inspired those achievements also seems to have inspired the feeling that they weren’t enough. That’s why “served during Operation Iraqi Freedom” became “served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.” But it’s also why his title will likely change from “Representative” to “Senator.”

As a man without a family -- his childless marriage ended last year -- Kirk likely draws his entire identity from politics and the Navy. It’s worth noting that the only sitting senator currently serving in the military, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, is also a bachelor.

Meanwhile, Kirk’s opponent, Alexi Giannoulias, doesn’t seem to be lacking anything in his life: he’s young, rich, handsome, athletic, friends with Obama, and engaged to a beautiful woman. And he’s going to lose to a more determined politician in November.